| Symptom | Problem | Remedy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Ammeter | ||
| 1) | Ammeter needle stops at a given amperage even though wind gusts are much higher | Belt is slipping, or see C # 1 & 2 | Adjust belt, and/or apply belt dressing. Tension should be about 3/4 inch deflection |
| 2) | Amp needle jumps from zero to given amps consistently bypassing intermediate amperages | Mercury switch is out of adjustment | Adjust merc. switch more nearly horizontal |
| 3) | Amp needle shows field is on (discharge dips to left about 3 amps) | a. In Low winds, 0-10 mph: Merc. switch is out of adjustment | Tilt end of mercury switch with wires up slightly |
| b. in high winds without charging | 1. Pos. wire is disconnected somewhere, check turntable assembly brushes. 2. Alternator is faulty |
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| c. In low wind when tail is pointing +/- 180 deg from the direction the tail was pointing when first adjusted | Turntable is not perfectly vertical, inclines enough to affect mercury in field switch | ||
| 4) | Amp needle jumps erratically and/or shows strong discharge or no charge at all | Loose, corroded, or improper connection | 1. Check all wire terminals for loose nuts or connectors, and fatigued or broken wires. Wire fatigue is a sign of vibration. see B, a. & b. |
| B | Vibration | ||
| a. Drive pulley is off center. | Belt tension varies, Turn blade slowly by hand, check belt tension several times per revolution. see page 19 paragraph 3 or Pulley Mount | ||
| b. Blade is unbalanced | Blade Balancing | ||
| C | Battery and Volt reading | ||
| 1) | Voltmeter shows disconnected battery charge is generally low. Battery charges quickly but won't hold a charge. | Battery is shot. Charges to capacity, & causes volt regulator to turn off field at about 1-1/2 to 5 Amps output. See A-1 | Replace faulty cell or entire battery. See Battery maintenance |
| 2) | Low voltage while alternator is charging. Normal is about 16V | Alternator or Volt Regulator is faulty, or needs adjustment | Replace or refer to automotive manual with specific brand/make. |
| D | Feathering | ||
| 1) | Tilt Mechanism is sluggish or won't right itself | a. Feathering pulley is shot or cable is caught between wheel and cheek | Replace pulley, check for signs of fraying. |
| b. Spring is weak or broken | Replace spring, check end hook fixtures | ||
| c. Feathering axle is stuck | Clean bushings, apply oil, check for bent axle, loose frame bolts or wood rot. | ||
| 2) | Machine makes dire noise: | a. Squeaks | Oil Bearings, apply belt dressing. Align pulleys so that belt feeds directly and not at a slight angle |
| b. Rumble or flutter | 1. Check for loose blade bearings (blade may need rebalance) 2. Field has no load, battery is charged. Also see: A. 1 & 2, C. 1 & 2. |